Typically, it wasn’t well received south of the border (why would it be?), but it did bring home just how far our respective paths have diverged since that grey Ipswich afternoon at the beginning of September.

Had our friends in blue won that game – they led 1-0 remember – they would have leap-frogged us in the table. Just imagine what the fallout would have been at either end of the A140.

With my usual razor-sharp perception, I concluded my post-match piece with… ‘we must also accept that what was once a gulf in quality between City and our Suffolk brethren is now a mere sliver’.

What an idiot!

Since said afternoon, those in blue have earned nine points, while those in yellow have earned 36.

But I genuinely didn’t see it coming. Yes, we were ecstatic that Mo popped up with his first City goal at the most opportune moment possible and, yes, one team tried to shift the ball on the green stuff while other used muscle and the ether, but in terms of end result there was nothing to choose between them.

Yet, looking back, it really was Mo’s strike through that crowded penalty area that turned this season on its head, even though it was still in its embryonic stages.

An unthinkable defeat, and the Carrow Road mood prior to the next game, against Boro, would have been decidedly frosty – Daniel Farke would have quickly discovered how poorly Portman Road defeats are received.

But how times have changed.

Now we have the head coach being serenaded by the Barclay, with him leading their post-match celebrations; a finer picture of club togetherness you’re rarely likely to see.

And long may it continue – even if us RiverEnders are feeling a tad neglected and marginalised 😉

What has become clear during this incredible unbeaten run is that the team is still evolving, still learning and are still discovering new ways to dig out a result. This is not the finished article by a long shot, with plenty of areas still being worked on and refined.

While a few scoffed at only drawing at Hull in midweek, there was something very ‘Championship’ about how, on a difficult, squally night, they battended down the hatches and made sure they came home with at least a point.

And yesterday, against a well-organised Rotherham side who were on a not dissimilar run of form to our own, they again found a way. At times the football was verging on the beautiful but for long spells of the first half, it was tough going.

A goal behind and minus the magic of Mo, the passing did slip back into the ‘too slow’ category, and we did struggle to find our way around or through the Millers’ banks of four and five. We also looked vulnerable to the sporadic counter-attacks that Paul Warne had clearly earmarked as key.

Their goal, while perceived by some as a goalkeeping error, was for me as much about the laboured reactions of the defenders, plus the small matter of it being offside (apparently).

I get that some are unhappy with the “errors” from Tim Krul and want him replaced, but I think that ignores the impact he has on not just the back-four, but the whole team, and also the way he organises. To take the Dutchman out and plonk another keeper in, would remove more than just a bloke who’s there to stop shots (my tin hat is by my side).

Going a goal down doesn’t phase this team one iota. Such is their undiluted belief in the method, the system and each other, they believe that if they keep doing the right things the chances will come. And, equally, they know – or at least believe – they are fitter than the rest, and those chances will naturally present themselves late on if they are patient enough.

And sure enough…

The second half saw the game plan executed better than it was in the first, with the ball being shifted a milli-second quicker and the intensity level cranked up a notch – and the Millers found it hard to cope with.

Todd Cantwell’s first goal in a first XI shirt was just reward for another industrious afternoon, and as he blossoms before our very eyes, he too is revealing aspects to his game that many of us are seeing for the first time. I’m talking of course about that exquisitely, clipped ball onto the head of Max Aarons for the second goal – a pass that would have had Lineker and co drooling if it had been played by David Silva.

And now it’s Onel Hernandez who, when fit, will have to await his chance.

Aarons of course, like Jamal Lewis, just goes from strength to strength and in addition to his terrier-like defending and perfect positioning when tending to his defensive duties, he’s equally comfortable when high up the pitch and operating as an out-and-out winger. What a prospect he is – and now he scores goals.

The clincher, of course, gave Teemu Pukki his customary Carrow Road goal but was all about the team’s unsung hero.

Marco Stiepermann will never get the headlines. He doesn’t have the vision or technique of Mo. He doesn’t have the goalscoring instincts of Pukki or Jordan Rhodes, he doesn’t have the lightning pace of Onel and he can’t flick and trick like Emi Buendia.

But, what he does is fit perfectly into Farke’s system by using his footballing intelligence to drift into space, by taking some of the physical burden off Pukki (and Rhodes) and by being the one to knit all together with his comfort in taking the ball in tight situations and making simple passes.

He’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I’d argue he’s one of the first names on the team-sheet. This system needs him.

The scenes at the end – mainly in front of the Barclay 😉 – were reminiscent of those of the Worthington and Lambert campaigns that ended in triumph, and there is something building. The Norwich supporter in me is still loathe to look too far ahead – a blip awaits – but there does feel something special in the air.

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Comments

Really good read as ever Gary,I particularly like the part about not looking too far head as I keep saying there is a long way to go ! Must be a Norwich supporter thing.! Great to be part of it all right now and starting to believe something special is brewing,long may it continue.

An excellent article Gary and does wonders for cheering me up on a dull Sunday morning.
Talk about a game of two halves. Rotherham were within a whisker of going 2 up, but the boys in yellow and green rallied and created a few chances, but ended the half with no ‘shots on target!!!’
The increase in tempo was evident almost from the start of the 2nd half and the Rotherham GK suddenly found he had plenty of work to do. Cantwell took his goal with aplomb and his pass for Aarons to score would have had the MotD pundits salivating and the deft header by an 18 year old was superb.
Stieperman’s pass to Pukki for the 3rd was simplicity in itself and meant I had a small win at the bookies and of course knocked Leeds (they’ve had injury problems) off top spot.
I then found a £10 note on my way home.
If Carlsberg did Saturdays for Canaries fans ………

I’ve been a city supporter since I was a nipper, that’s nigh on 70 years, so I’ve seen the cup runs, the promotions and the relegations and this manager and his squad are amongst the best we’ve ever had. We can’t see the future but we can see what’s in front of us and that’s a club worthy of promotion! Drink it up while it’s there.

A good piece Gary and another excellent 3 points! It really is a pleasure watching Cantwell, Aarons and Lewis doing so well week in, week out.

I’m with you in the sense that we shouldn’t get too carried away yet. Whilst there is a gap opening between second and third place, we can’t keep conceding the first goal like that and relying on second half performances to claw it back. Credit to the lads for having done so so far but getting a goal in the first half would would be top of my ‘list of improvements’ – even if it is just to calm the nerves!

Whilst Middlesborough, Derby, Sheff Utd, West Brom and Forest don’t worry me too much, Villa are looking really strong under Dean Smith (3-0 vs Borough yesterday) and are cruising up the table. I think it will be us, Villa and Leeds battling for the top two places, with the teams above close behind.

Had he said ‘I thought Cantwell had a poor first half’ then I would have agreed with him. I was beginning to think that he might need substituting just before he scored the equaliser, but from that point on, confidence simply oozed out of every pore on his body.

After his goal he seemed to ‘grow’ as both a player and a human and you could see a quite outstanding young footballer emerge. One who can go on to achieve great things.

great read again. I agree, Farke tells his players one game at a time. that is how supporters should try and view things.

I was slightly worried when injuries really started to bite, we handled the Pukki injury, it looks like we are handling the Mo & Onel ones too. a point away at a team who picked up 3 in London yesterday, looks even better than it did on the night. If you can’t win don’t lose… still holds a lot of water.

Also what concerned me was how some of our imports would handle what the English weather can throw up, hopefully there will not be many like what was served up the other night. A draw away answered my concerns on that one.

I thought by listening to Goreham/Eadie that Krull had done his usual and push the ball back into danger areas, looking at the replays, he did up to a point but from I what I could see, there was clear offside. So benefit of the doubt.

He is still climbing back from that bad injury spell, sitting on the bench at the Amex was absolutely no good to him, now playing the first games for over a season, really the odd cup game doesn’t do a lot for any player neither, mistakes are not as bad for outfield players; but for keepers the spotlight is on them.
No two ways about it goalkeeping is specalised not many are gifted enough to take the gloves, plus really what have we in reserve, No disrepects to McGovern he is not up to it and Farke allowed others to leave for his own reasons.

For those who want another keeper ,, simple questions. are we bottom of the league ? Are we leaking goals ?
No. to both so Krull cannot be doing to shabby can he.

Trybul took a little flac for his misses at Hull, a player not able to get in to the line up because of form of other, I thought it was a little unfair. Pukki has been on fire keeping Rhodes (one with an outstanding record) yet he could have had a hat trick yesterday. But he did deliver one so perhaps why the other two go unoticed.
Really it is hard to see where any of us can complain about much (and there is 3 fingers point at me)

Your comment re goalkeeping. Why is it these days keepers always seem to want to palm or punch the ball so often. If memories serves me right, keepers like Keelan would dive across the goal and hold the ball. Punching would be a last resort, not the first.
I am sure their goal would not have been scored if some of the previous city goalkeepers had been between the sticks. It’s not just our goalkeeper, you see this all the time.

The ball has changed considerably since the days of Kevin Keelan, and even he chose to punch occasionally (although on at least one occasion he chose to punch the centre forward, rather than the ball!). Yesterday the ball would have been slippery with the wet, and not easy to hold, even with modern goalkeeper’s gloves, so that’s the reason goalkeepers in general often choose to punch rather than catch.

The youngsters playing like they are is a joy. It wouldn’t have been that many seasons ago when they wouldn’t have been allowed to get their chance, but we are in a better place now.

I don’t agree with some fans that Krul should be dropped, despite concerns – however, the difference between him and every other position on the pitch is that he has no real competition. That is wrong and must change, so a new keeper to keep him ‘honest’ in January should be looked at.

I agree with pretty much everything you’ve said in the article particularly regarding Stieperman (who I’ve always liked!) and Krul.
However, in the title, Farke’s Fledglings?? I cringed when they used it on Quest last night, can’t believe you’ve used it as well!!

Reading the comments I must agree that Krul has no opposition for his place and Mcgovern seems happy to take the money and play the odd cup game so soon than later Webber needs to get a keeper that will push Krul to the limits.

The Pinkun reporting team as usual give a fair assessment of the game in play but there are a few people logged in during game time that really should stop complaining one comment was
” Farkes been found out needs sacking while the team is doing good”
” Farke has no plan B”

During my time of supporting city and going to matches in general I have never seen a team dominate for the full 90 mins at some point the opposition will have a bit of control and it is how the other team reacts in that period.

City were slow out of the blocks and maybe they are missing the artistry of Mo in the opening salvo’s but they are managing the games well and they still have a few players to come back from injuries and get 100% fit.

As has been mentioned expectations are starting to grow and there will be a few hiccup’s along the way and the true supporters will back this team to come thro them with flying colours so I hope before lomg we hear that city have tied Team Farke up to an extended contract☺☺☺

Thank you for highlighting Chris Sutton’s tweet – not being on any of the anti-social media things I would have missed what could surely be one of the defining quotes in what is turning out to be one helluva season. So many good moments yesterday, and (once again) what a difference between the halves. Krul’s error (or was it a powerful shot falling to an offside player??) the difference between the teams, although the gap could have been twice as big if the shot which hit the inside of the post had been just a fraction closer to the middle of the goal. the margins in this Championship are very small! Credit to Rotherham who, in that first half were a much better outfit that I thought.
Farke time obviously starts at minute 46, and how different were we from then on? Cantwell was unplayable at times in that half, and what a treat to have all 3 of the academy lads combining for the second goal. As others have said, had it been a Man City goal then Lineker, Shearer and co would have drooled about it for ages.
What a time to be a Norwich fan!!

Of course, Lineker, Shearer and co won’t have even seen our goals as they are too obsessed with their beloved Premier League. Bit like a piece on a BBC website yesterday saying how it was surprising at how we had been on top “for a couple of hours” before Leeds got back above us. Try a “couple of weeks” and you might be closer to the truth.
Can’t believe I want us to get promoted at times!!

Agree 100% with all your points Gary. At the match I thought Krul was responsible for their goal, however when I saw the replay at home I think I was being a bit hasty as he did well to stop the first shot.
As I’ve stated before on this site in sixty years of supporting City this is the best footballing side I’ve seen.
Have we ever had so many young players of this calibre in our team at one time. They are a joy to watch.

Speaking of one of our own …one thing i did notice on saturday afternoon on tv was something they said about declan rudd letting a howler in …i then looked to see he has let 35 goals so far and remi matthews has only played twice at bolton and conceded 3 …..so maybe krul wasnt a so bad decision after all 😉
Farke life

Great article as ever. My only very minor difference of opinion was that I believe it was the Cardiff game which began the turnaround. We demonstrated the depth of our squad in that game & a number of those players who perhaps weren’t considered first choice have really proved their worth since; Aarons, Zim, Cantwell, Stiepermann to name a few.

Excellent article. As you say, I think Krul is worth a lot more to the team than just his ‘keeping.

Sure he has a mistake in him, as most do, and I’m not always convinced with his distribution at times, but he undeniably has the respect of his defence, and indeed the rest of the team. I’ve heard many so-called experts lamenting how much the modern balls move in the air these days, and thus there are numerous quality goalkeepers who can be made to look foolish (Butland, Randolph etc recently). However, he is a Dutch international who commands his area, organises the defence, rouses the crowd, and does not let the odd mistake diminish his confidence.

A strong presence in goal is essential, and we have often suffered when established number ones have been out injured in the past. I remember when Bryan Gunn was out and Andy Marshall (then a promising goalie who many people were clamouring to be given a chance) replaced him. Or when Ruddy was replaced by Mark Bunn etc. Solid back-up keepers but ones that couldn’t command the same respect from the defenders in front of them.

I think Krul is an integral part of the side, and I for one am prepared to excuse the odd mistake, in return for what he brings to the side

A good side Rotherham fair play to them in the first half. What a joy to watch the academy lads sweeping all before them. That second half will take some beating for quality, Aaron’s goal was yet another contender for goal of the season. We had Pukki to score last and 3-1 on the betting slip. Make no mistake Tim Krul is a damn good keeper far better than big John ever was. So with a warm cheery feeling and a big cheesy grin we listened to Radio Suffolk phone in on the way home.

For the first time in years we have two good full backs who do their job defensively and in addition have the attributes to bomb forward.
Hopefully Felix Passlack or Ben Godfrey will step up to the plate if either ,heaven forbid, get injured.

The two young full backs are the biggest difference between last season and now. I’ve not seen better outside the premier league and I’m sure a few teams will be interested next month. DOT SELL DELIA!!!

Watching MOTD again beause of course I am. The first goal made by an overlapping Byram making space for an advancing Tettey, that's right Tettey to take the ball wide, cross to win the corner. Hard to pick an MoM but Tettey was immense after so little football #ncfc

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